03/20/2025
A brief history of the 🔊 SubLab Sound System🔊
Built by Ben Smith and friends, Sublab packs some serious history. For starters, the TMS-3’s, a scene shaping staple of the 80’s/90’s rave scenes, made their way across the ocean from London to Wisconsin in the late 2000’s (photo 3), ultimately making their way into Ben’s hands. These bins likely blasted Reggae, Dub, Jungle, DNB, Acid House, you name it - they're relics of UK sound system culture.
Four years ago, Ben’s journey started with an even rarer pair of Turbosound TMS-1’s, within the year, he built his first “unorthodox” subs (photo 2). Not long after, he found the holy grail - a set of TMS-3’s that had been hacked apart and stripped of their subs. He revived them with JBL drivers, dialed them in, and brought them back to life.
Still, the system lacked true, ultra low end, so Ben went all in, building a total of 4 Paraflex C2E Golden Formula subs, MONSTERS known for power, efficiency, and punishing bass response. With B&C 18DS115 drivers, these things are built to last. Beat Harvest 2024 was their first public run, where a madman rigged a propane jig that shot FLAMES in sync with the bass. Yes, really, I'll bother him for a video eventually.
Since then, Ben has refined Sublab to the point where I HAD to bring him to La Crosse to showcase it. This sound is utterly immersive, with deep pressure, thick bassweight, and a raw, physical presence. If you know, you know.
Ben, you're an inspiration. You’ve shaped my journey as both a sound system snob and a sub-bass connoisseur. La Crosse, do not sleep on this. See you Soon. 🔊🔊
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